Christina Derevjanik of Stamford, Conn, celebrates being the biggest winner in "Wheel of Fortune" history. Her boss was in the audience.
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest congratulate, Christina Derevjanik of Stamford, Conn, the biggest winner in "Wheel of Fortune" history.

A woman from Connecticut just became the biggest winner in the history of "Wheel of Fortune."

Stamford resident Christina Derevjanik won $1,035,155 on the Ryan Seacrest-hosted game show that aired on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Derevjanik, who works in marketing for a utilities company, first won trips to Montana and Tokyo by solving puzzles to amass $35,155 in cash and prizes in the episode.

Then in the show's bonus round, she chose the category Living Things and solved the puzzle: "PACK OF COYOTES."

Seacrest opened the prize envelope to reveal the coveted million-dollar prize inside. Cue the confetti: Derevjanik howled while jumping in the air for joy, hugging Seacrest and co-host Vanna White.

"I'm so happy for you!" White told the winner.

Seacrest closed the show, telling Derevjanik, "Congratulations, you're my first million-dollar winner. I have a tear in my eye."

Following the episode, Seacrest confirmed to Derevjanik that she was the biggest winner in the show's 49-year history, according to a statement from "Wheel of Fortune." She responded, "I have no words!"

'Wheel of Fortune' winner vows: 'I may be putting in my two weeks' (notice)'

Derevjanik had told Seacrest earlier in the show that her boss was in the studio audience, and that if she won $1 million, "I may be putting in my two weeks' (notice). But we won't tell her that yet."

After winning, Derevjanik passed on a laughing message to her boss. "We'll have a discussion once I get back to the office," she said.

The episode will stream on Peacock, Hulu, and Disney+ starting Oct. 1.

The first $1 million "Wheel of Fortune" grand prize was won by Michelle Lowenstein in October 2008, when Pat Sajak was host. Autumn Erhard won in May 2013, and Sarah Manchester was the most recent winner, more than a decade ago, in September 2014.

Sajak retired after 41 seasons as host in June 2024. Seacrest took over as "Wheel of Fortune" host in Sept. 2024.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wheel of Fortune' winner takes historic $1 million prize with her boss in audience

Reporting by Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect